Trending
This weekend the weather should be great for local racing. Here’s a quick look at what some area speedways have planned:
Port Royal Speedway presents Race to Cure Cancer Night this evening. A portion of the night’s proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Along with 410 sprints and super late models are the 305s, completing the rained out program from April 2. The show is the final tune up for 410 sprint cars and super late models before next week’s special event, the first Keith Kauffman Classic featuring Tony Stewart’s All Star Circuit of Champion sprint cars. It’s also the first leg of the Route 35 Dirt Late Model Challenge Series for super late models.
Selinsgrove Speedway will again attempt to start the season with a three-division program of 360 sprint cars, super late models and pro stocks. The 360 sprint class should have a tough field of cars. The United Racing Club and Empire Sprint Series are sanctioning the show.
Lewistown 360 sprint car driver Eric Parker intends to start his 2016 campaign tonight at Selinsgrove Speedway.
Lincoln Speedway hosts the Auto Racing Club of Hagerstown, Maryland, this evening for its annual visit. The 410 and 358 sprint cars will be joined by 358 late models.
The All Star Circuit of Champions were scheduled to open their season Friday in Attica, Ohio, after previous weather cancellations. This evening the All Stars move on to Wayne County, Ohio. Tomorrow the series heads to Bedford Speedway. Brent Marks of Myerstown and Ryan Smith of Kunkletown left the confines of Pennsylvania to compete with the All Stars. The pair are also expected to be in attendance at Bedford.
There’s good news to report from Clinton County Motor Speedway. Jeff Ulrich of Selinsgrove has been named public relations director and announcer at the Lock Haven area facility. Williamsport resident Wayne Cochran and Sam Ray of Milesburg have leased the track from the fair board. The pair already have made improvements to the racetrack and grounds. The first race is set for April 29. Racing divisions that will compete during the regular season include limited late models, 305 sprint cars, pro stocks (Selinsgrove rules), four-cylinder front wheel drive stock cars, 270 and 600 micro sprints. The super late models will make four appearances this season.
Ulrich said the new Clinton County management team’s goals included trying to make the track surface “racy” by improving the banking and shape of the speedway. Reasonable admission prices and presenting a quality show are also high priority. Finally the group wants to create stability to allows the track to prosper long term.
Ulrich will join PA Sports Network’s Jed Donahue today at 11:30 with more Clinton County Motor Speedway details. The program can be heard locally on WIEZ-AM 670.
Ye Olde Hotel in Milroy will host a car show in its parking lot June 11. Race cars will be part of the display.
Last week I mentioned Peyton Manning will be part of this weekend’s Bristol NASCAR race. Manning will join Dale Earnhardt Jr. during pre-race ceremonies. The pair represent a mutual sponsor. Manning is an honorary official.
Bristol Speedway workers are starting to prepare for the Sept. 10 NCAA football game which will be played at the track. Tennessee hosts Virginia Tech. The game is being billed as the Battle at Bristol.
Where’s Lewistown late model racer Jason Schmidt been this season? I asked that question of long time crew member Ed Bickel, who said the team is getting a late start. They have their primary engine being refurbished and should have it back soon. Current plans are to be ready mid-May. Schmidt will race at both Port Royal and Selinsgrove Speedways.
If your favorite racer has information to pass along feel free to contact me.
Susquehanna Speedway opened last Sunday night with a great sprint car show won by Greg Hodnett. The track enjoyed a large crowd despite cold weather. The new management team of owner Scott Gobrecht and manager Kolten Gouse did a great job with the track surface and facility.
The other story from Susquehanna Speedway last Sunday was Lance Dewease’s drive from 13th starting spot to finish second. I predict Dewease is going to be a force to be reckoned with since teaming with Donnie Kreitz Jr. and Davey Brown Sr.
Until next week please drive safely!
***
Craig Rutherford writes about motorsports for The Sentinel.